Streaming media players turn a TV, amplifier or hi-fi system into a source for Netflix, YouTube, Spotify and other online services. Our range of over 20 models covers TV sticks and boxes for video, plus network music streamers for audio systems. Leading brands include Amazon, WiiM, Google and Xiaomi.
How to choose a streaming media player
Video or music. TV sticks and boxes are built around a picture on your screen, with an app store and a remote. Music streamers are built to feed an amplifier or active speakers, and many of them have no video output at all. Decide which job matters most before comparing anything else.
Picture quality and HDMI. For a 4K TV, choose a player that outputs 4K and supports HDR formats such as HDR10 or Dolby Vision, otherwise the TV cannot show them. Check that your TV has a free HDMI port, and whether the player plugs straight into it or connects by cable. A device that hangs behind the TV on a short extension is easier to place if the ports are cramped.
Platform and apps. The operating system decides which apps you can install and how the menus work. Fire TV, Google TV and Apple tvOS each have their own app store and voice assistant. Check that the services you actually watch, including local broadcasters' catch-up apps, are available on that platform.
Audio connections and network. Music streamers vary in their outputs: analogue RCA, optical, coaxial or HDMI ARC are all common. Match these to your amplifier or soundbar. Wi-Fi 5 or newer is enough for most homes, but an Ethernet port gives a steadier connection for 4K video or lossless music.
Remote and voice control. A remote with TV power and volume buttons saves you from juggling two controllers. If you already use Alexa or Google Assistant at home, choosing the matching platform keeps everything in one system.
Streaming media player brands we carry
- Amazon: the Fire TV range of sticks and boxes is the largest group in our selection, and these players are built around Alexa voice control and Prime Video.
- WiiM: makes network audio streamers that add services such as Spotify and Tidal, AirPlay and Chromecast support to an existing hi-fi system.
- Google: its streaming players run Google TV and are designed to work with Chromecast casting and Google Assistant.
- Xiaomi: offers TV sticks and boxes running Google's Android TV or Google TV software, with a focus on affordable 4K streaming.
- Apple: Apple TV runs tvOS and links closely with iPhone, iPad, AirPlay and Apple's own services.
- Magnat: a German hi-fi manufacturer known for speakers and amplifiers, whose streaming products suit audio setups.
Also in our range: Strong and Yealink.
Streaming media players: frequently asked questions
What does a streaming media player do?
A streaming media player connects to your home network and plays video or music from online services on your TV or audio system. Video players plug into an HDMI port and add an app store and remote. Music streamers send audio to an amplifier or powered speakers.
Do I need a streaming player if my TV is already smart?
Not necessarily, but a separate player is worth considering if your TV's apps are slow, outdated or missing a service you use. The TV's software often stops receiving updates after a few years, while a player can be replaced for much less than a new TV. A player also lets you move to a newer platform without changing the screen.
Do I need a 4K TV to use a 4K streaming player?
No, a 4K player works with a Full HD TV, and the picture is simply reduced to the TV's resolution. You only see 4K and HDR detail on a TV that supports them. If you plan to upgrade your TV soon, a 4K player is a sensible choice now.
Can I stream music to my hi-fi system with a media player?
Yes, a network music streamer connects to your amplifier or active speakers and plays music from services such as Spotify or from your own library. Check which inputs your amplifier has, as analogue, optical and coaxial connections are all used. Many streamers can also be controlled from a phone app.
